MOTORISTS who put lives at risk by using their mobile phone while behind the wheel are to be targeted in East Yorkshire.

Officers from Humberside Police will crack down on drivers during the month-long campaign which began yesterday.

Road-users face a fixed penalty notice for not being in proper control of their vehicle if they are seen using a phone while driving.

Research has found that reactions are dramatically impaired when using hand-held or hands-free phones, with some responses comparable to a driver who has drunk twice the legal alcohol limit.

PC Roy Hindmarsh, of Humberside Police, said officers deal with people using mobile phones behind the wheel differently depending on the circumstances.

Motorists negotiating corners and traffic lights or driving near schools while using a phone, he said, are more likely to be seen as driving carelessly.

Although the Government is now considering new legislation, there is no specific offence for driving while using a mobile phone.

But officers can use their discretion to deal with drivers who they consider are not driving with full care and attention.

PC Hindmarsh said: "We would like to see this issue treated like seat belt legislation. If you are seen using your mobile phone while driving by an officer you are given a fixed penalty on the spot."

The enforcement campaign aims to prevent accidents, reduce the number of casualties on the roads and improve driver behaviour.

A spokeswoman for Humberside Police said: "All local policing teams will be targeting this type of offence during the campaign month, with a view to enforcement, education and encouragement.

"Most offenders will be dealt with by means of a fixed penalty notice for drivers not being in proper control of the vehicle.

"However, more serious offences such as careless or reckless driving could be considered depending on the circumstances of each case."

Updated: 08:32 Wednesday, April 02, 2003